RME AES32 User manual
User's Guide
Hammerfall® DSP System
HDSP AES-32
TotalMix
™
24 Bit / 192 kHz 9
SyncAlign
™
ZLM™ SyncCheck™
SteadyClock
™
PCI Busmaster Digital I/O Card
32 Channels AES/EBU Interface
24 Bit / 192 kHz Digital Audio
32 x 16 Matrix Router
2 x MIDI I/O
General
1 Introduction ...............................................................6
2 Package Contents.....................................................6
3 System Requirements ..............................................6
4 Brief Description and Characteristics.....................6
5 Hardware Installation................................................7
6 Hardware – Connectors
6.1 External Connectors ..............................................7
6.2 Internal Connectors................................................8
7 Accessories...............................................................8
8 Warranty.....................................................................8
9 Appendix....................................................................9
Driver Installation and Operation - Windows
10 Driver and Firmware
10.1 Driver Installation .................................................12
10.2 Driver Update.......................................................12
10.3 De-Installing the Drivers.......................................13
10.4 Firmware Update..................................................13
11 Configuring the HDSP AES-32
11.1 Settings Dialog.....................................................14
11.2 Settings Dialog – Pitch.........................................16
11.3 Clock Modes – Synchronisation...........................17
12 Operation and Usage
12.1 Playback...............................................................18
12.2 DVD Playback (AC-3 / DTS)................................19
12.3 Notes on WDM.....................................................20
12.4 Multi-client Operation ...........................................20
12.5 Digital Recording..................................................21
13 Operation under ASIO
13.1 General ................................................................22
13.2 Known Problems..................................................22
14 Using multiple HDSP AES-32.................................23
15 DIGICheck Windows ...............................................23
16 Hotline – Troubleshooting......................................24
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Driver Installation and Operation - Mac OS X
17 Driver and Flash Update
17.1 Driver Installation.................................................26
17.2 Driver Update.......................................................26
17.3 Flash Update........................................................26
18 Configuring the HDSP AES-32
18.1 Settings Dialog.....................................................27
18.2 Clock Modes – Synchronization..........................29
19 Mac OS X FAQ
19.1 Round about Driver Installation...........................30
19.2 MIDI doesn't work ................................................30
19.3 Supported Sample Rates.....................................31
19.4 Repairing Disk Permissions.................................31
19.5 Various Information..............................................31
20 Using more than one HDSP System.....................31
21 DIGICheck Mac........................................................32
22 Hotline – Troubleshooting .....................................32
Connections and TotalMix
23 Connections
23.1 AES/EBU Inputs...................................................34
23.2 AES/EBU Outputs................................................35
23.3 MIDI .....................................................................36
24 Word Clock
24.1 Word Clock Input and Output..............................37
24.2 Technical Description and Background...............38
24.3 Cables and Termination.......................................38
24.4 General Operation ...............................................39
25 TotalMix: Routing and Monitoring
25.1 Overview..............................................................40
25.2 The User Interface...............................................42
25.3 Elements of a Channel ........................................43
25.4 Tour de TotalMix..................................................43
25.5 Submix View ........................................................45
25.6 Mute and Solo......................................................45
25.7 Quick Access Panel.............................................46
25.8 Presets.................................................................46
25.9 Monitor Panel.......................................................48
25.10 Preferences..........................................................48
25.11 Editing the Names ...............................................49
25.12 Hotkeys................................................................50
25.13 Menu Options.......................................................51
25.14 Menu Fader Groups.............................................51
25.15 Level Meter..........................................................52
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3
26 TotalMix: The Matrix
26.1 Overview..............................................................53
26.2 Elements of the Matrix View ................................53
26.3 Usage...................................................................53
26.4 Advantages of the Matrix.....................................54
27 TotalMix Super-Features
27.1 ASIO Direct Monitoring (Windows only) ..............54
27.2 Selection and Group based Operation ................55
27.3 Copy Routings to other Channels........................55
27.4 Delete Routings....................................................55
27.5 Recording a Subgroup (Loopback)......................56
27.6 Using external Effects Devices............................57
27.7 MS Processing.....................................................58
28 TotalMix MIDI Remote Control
28.1 Overview..............................................................59
28.2 Mapping ...............................................................59
28.3 Setup....................................................................60
28.4 Operation .............................................................60
28.5 Simple MIDI Control.............................................61
28.6 Loopback Detection.............................................62
Technical Reference
29 Technical Specifications
29.1 Inputs ...................................................................64
29.2 Outputs.................................................................64
29.3 Digital...................................................................65
29.4 MIDI......................................................................65
30 Technical Background
30.1 AES/EBU - SPDIF................................................66
30.2 Lock and SyncCheck...........................................66
30.3 Latency and Monitoring........................................67
30.4 DS – Double Speed .............................................68
30.5 QS – Quad Speed................................................68
30.6 SteadyClock.........................................................69
30.7 Terminology .........................................................70
30.8 Connector Pinouts................................................71
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User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
User's Guide
HDSP AES-32
General
User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
5
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the HDSP AES-32. This unique audio system is capable of transferring
digital audio data directly into a computer, from any device equipped with a AES/EBU or SPDIF
interface. Installation is simple, even for the inexperienced user, thanks to the latest Plug and
Play technology. The numerous unique features and well thought-out configuration dialog puts
the Hammerfall DSP AES at the very top of the range of digital audio interface cards.
The package contains drivers for Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8) and Mac OS X (PPC).
Our high-performance philosophy guarantees maximum system performance by executing as
many functions as possible not in the driver (i.e. the CPU), but directly within the audio hardware.
2. Package Contents
Please check your HDSP AES-32 package contains each of the following:
• HDSP AES-32 PCI Express card
• HDSP AES-32 expansion board
• Quick Info guide
• RME Driver CD
• MIDI breakout cable
• Expansion Board ribbon cable (26-conductor)
3. System Requirements
• Windows XP or higher, Mac OS X PPC (10.2.8 or higher)
• PCI Interface: a free PCI rev. 2.1 Busmaster slot
4. Brief Description and Characteristics
• All settings can be changed in real-time
• 8 buffer sizes/latencies available: 0.7 / 1.5 / 3 / 6 / 12 / 23 / 46 / 93 ms
• 32 channels 192 kHz/24 bit (record+playback)
• Automatic and intelligent master/slave clock control
• Word clock input and output
• TotalMix for latency-free submixes and perfect ASIO Direct Monitoring
• SyncAlign guarantees sample aligned and never swapping channels
• SyncCheck tests and reports the synchronization status of input signals
• 2 x MIDI I/O, 32 channels high-speed MIDI
• DIGICheck DSP: Level meter in hardware, peak- and RMS calculation
• TotalMix: 512 channel mixer with 42 bit internal resolution
• SteadyClock: Jitter-immune, super-stable digital clock
• Quick Boot technology for immediate loading of the hardware settings
• Optional Time Code module (TCO) for external Video-/SMPTE synchronization
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User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
5. Hardware Installation
Before installing the PCI card, please make sure the computer is switched off and the
power cable is disconnected from the mains supply. Inserting or removing the card while
the computer is in operation can cause irreparable damage to both motherboard and card!
1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from the computer.
2. Remove the computer's housing. Further information on how to do this can be obtained from
your computer's instruction manual.
3. Important: Before removing the HDSP AES-32 from its protective bag, discharge any static
in your body by touching the metal chassis of the PC.
4. Prior to installation: Connect the HDSP AES-32 card to the Expansion Board using the supplied flat ribbon cable.
5. Insert the HDSP AES-32 firmly into a free PCI slot, press and fasten the screw.
6. Insert the Expansion Board and fasten the screw.
7. Replace the computer's housing.
8. Reconnect all cables including the power cord.
6. Hardware - Connectors
6.1 External Connectors
The bracket of the main
board has a D-sub 25 pin
connector providing
AES/EBU inputs and
outputs 1-4, and BNC
sockets providing word
clock input and output.
The D-sub connector
uses the Tascam pinout
(details see chapter
30.8).
Breakout and connection cables with this pinout are widely available.
The Expansion Board's
bracket has AES/EBU
inputs and outputs 5-8 via
a second D-sub 25 connector. The included
breakout cable is connected to the 9-pin Mini-
DIN connector and provides two MIDI inputs and
outputs via four 5-pin DIN
connectors.
: If neither AES I/O 5-8 nor MIDI I/O is required, it is not necessary to install the Expansion
Note
Board at all.
Optional TCO
The optional Time Code Option is connected to the main board with a 10-pin flat ribbon cable.
Further details can be found in the TCO manual.
User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
7
6.2 Internal Connectors
X100 (Channel 17-32)
26-pin connector for the included HDSP AES-32 Expansion Board.
X101
10-pin connector for a connection of the optional Time Code Option (TCO).
SYNC IN
Internal word clock input for synchronization of multiple cards via SYNC OUT.
SYNC OUT
This 3-pin connector carries an internal word clock signal. It can be used to synchronize multiple cards with sample accuracy, and without the need for an external connection. The card
where SYNC OUT is used is Master, the one with SYNC IN is Slave. In the Settings dialog the
Slave has to be set to Sync In under Pref. Sync Ref, the Clock Mode must be set to AutoSync.
X300
No function. Used to program the card in the factory.
Blue Jumper (Main Board)
Controls termination of the word clock input. Changing the jumper to the position oriented towards the center of the PCB (see printed label on the PCB), the word clock input is terminated
with 75 Ohms.
7. Accessories
RME offers several optional components. Additionally parts of the HDSP AES-32, like the special breakout cables, are available separately.
Part Number Description
BOHDSP9652 MIDI breakout cable
VKHDSPAES32 26-conductor flat ribbon cable
BO25MXLR4M4F3 Digital breakout cable AES/EBU, 9.9 ft (3 m)
BO25MXLR4M4F6 Digital breakout cable AES/EBU, 19.8 ft (6 m)
BOBDSUB25T Digital connection cable 25 pin D-sub, Tascam pinout
BOB32 BOB-32, Universal Breakout Box, 19"
TCOHDSP Time Code Option HDSP series
8. Warranty
Each individual HDSP undergoes comprehensive quality control and a complete test at IMM
before shipping. The usage of high grade components should guarantee a long and trouble-free
operation of the unit.
If you suspect that your product is faulty, please contact your local retailer.
Audio AG grants a limited manufacturer warranty of 6 months from the day of invoice showing
the date of sale. The length of the warranty period is different per country. Please contact your
local distributor for extended warranty information and service. Note that each country may
have regional specific warranty implications.
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User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
In any case warranty does not cover damage caused by improper installation or maltreatment replacement or repair in such cases can only be carried out at the owner's expense.
No warranty service is provided when the product is not returned to the local distributor in the
region where the product had been originally shipped.
Audio AG does not accept claims for damages of any kind, especially consequential damage.
Liability is limited to the value of the Hammerfall DSP. The general terms of business drawn up
by Audio AG apply at all times.
9. Appendix
RME news, driver updates and further product information are available on our website:
http://www.rme-audio.com
Distributor:
Audio AG, Am Pfanderling 60, D-85778 Haimhausen, Tel.: (49) 08133 / 91810
Manufacturer:
IMM Elektronik GmbH, Leipziger Strasse 32, D-09648 Mittweida, Germany
Trademarks
All trademarks, registered or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. RME,
DIGICheck and Hammerfall are registered trademarks of RME Intelligent Audio Solutions.
HDSP AES-32, HDSP AES-32, TMS, DIGI96, SyncAlign, ZLM, SyncCheck and TotalMix are
trademarks of RME Intelligent Audio Solutions. Microsoft, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
Steinberg, Cubase and VST are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies
GmbH. ASIO is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
Copyright © Matthias Carstens, 07/2012. Version 1.3
Current driver version: Windows: 3.29, Mac OS X PPC: 2.53
Although the contents of this User’s Guide have been thoroughly checked for errors, RME can not guarantee that it is
correct throughout. RME does not accept responsibility for any misleading or incorrect information within this guide.
Lending or copying any part of the guide or the RME Driver CD, or any commercial exploitation of these media without
express written permission from RME Intelligent Audio Solutions is prohibited. RME reserves the right to change specifications at any time without notice.
User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
9
CE / FCC Compliance
CE
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits of the European Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to electromagnetic compatibility according to RL2004/108/EG.
FCC
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
RoHS
This product has been soldered lead-free and fulfils the requirements of the RoHS directive.
ISO 9001
This product has been manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management. The manufacturer,
IMM Elektronik GmbH, is also certified for ISO 14001 (Environment) and ISO 13485 (medical
devices).
Note on Disposal
According to the guide line RL2002/96/EG (WEEE – Directive on Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment), valid for all european countries, this
product has to be recycled at the end of its lifetime.
In case a disposal of electronic waste is not possible, the recycling can
also be done by IMM Elektronik GmbH, the manufacturer of the HDSP
AES-32.
For this the device has to be sent free to the door to:
IMM Elektronik GmbH
Leipziger Straße 32
D-09648 Mittweida
Germany
Shipments not prepaid will be rejected and returned on the original sender's costs.
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User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
User's Guide
HDSP AES-32
Driver Installation and Operation - Windows
User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
11
10. Driver and Firmware
10.1 Driver Installation
After the HDSP AES-32 has been installed correctly (see 5. Hardware Installation), and the
computer has been switched on, Windows will recognize the new hardware component and
start its ‘Hardware Wizard’. Insert the RME Driver CD into your CD-ROM drive, and follow further instructions which appear on your computer screen. The driver files are located in the directory \WDM on the RME Driver CD.
Windows will install the Hammerfall DSP System driver, and will register the
card in the system as a new audio device. After a reboot the symbols of
TotalMix and Settings dialog will appear in the task bar.
In case the Hardware Wizard does not show up automatically after installation of the card,
do not attempt to install the drivers manually! An installation of drivers for non-recognized
hardware will cause a blue screen when booting Windows!
In Windows 7 Microsoft removed the automatic start of the Driver Software Update dialog. Therefore this dialog has to be started manually after the failed driver installation. Hit the Win key,
type 'Device Manager', start the Device Manager by selecting it from the list and hit Enter.
The device is shown with a yellow warning symbol. Usually it is already found in the correct
category, Sound, Video and Game Controller (Plug & Play detects a multimedia device). Right
click on the device and select 'Update Driver Software' from the context menu.
The dialog Update Driver Software appears. Now follow the instructions given below.
10.2 Driver Update
When facing problems with the automatic driver update, the user-driven way of driver installation will work.
Under >Control Panel /System /Device Manager /Sound, Video and Game Controllers /RME
HDSP AES /Properties /Driver< you'll find the 'Update Driver' button.
XP: Select 'Install from a list or specific location (advanced)', click 'Next', select 'Don't
search I will choose the driver to install', click 'Next', then 'Have Disk'. Now point to the
driver update's directory.
Vista/7: Select 'Browse my computer for driver software', then 'Let me pick from a list of
device drivers from my computer', then 'Have Disk'. Now point to the driver update's direc-
tory.
This method also allows for the installation of older drivers than the currently installed ones.
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User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
10.3 De-Installing the Drivers
A de-installation of the HDSP driver files is not necessary – and not supported by Windows
anyway. Thanks to full Plug & Play support, the driver files will not be loaded after the hardware
has been removed. If desired these files can then be deleted manually.
Unfortunately Windows Plug & Play methods do not cover the additional autorun entries of TotalMix, the Settings dialog, and the registration of the ASIO driver. Those entries can be removed from the registry through a software de-installation request. This request can be found
(like all de-installation entries) in Control Panel, Software. Click on the entry 'RME Hammerfall
DSP (WDM)'.
10.4 Firmware Update
The Flash Update Tool updates all e HDSP series products to the latest firmware version. It
requires an already installed driver.
Start the program hdsp_wdm_fut.exe. The Flash Update Tool displays the current revision of
the HDSP AES-32, and whether it needs an update or not. If so, then please press the 'Update'
button. A progress bar will indicate when the flash process is finished. The bar moves slowly
first (program), then faster (verify).
If more than one interface card is installed, all cards can be flashed by changing to the next tab
and repeating the process.
After the update the PCI card needs to be reset. This is done by powering down and shutting off
the PC. A warm boot is not enough!
When the update fails (status: failure), the card's second BIOS will be used from the next cold
boot on (Secure BIOS Technology). Therefore the card stays fully functional. The flash process
should then be tried again on a different computer.
User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
13
11. Configuring the HDSP AES-32
11.1 Settings Dialog
Configuration of the HDSP AES-32 is done via its own settings dialog. The panel 'Settings' can
be opened:
• by clicking on the hammer symbol in the Task Bar's notification area
The mixer of the HDSP AES-32 (TotalMix) can be opened:
• by clicking on the mixer icon in the Task Bar's notification area
The hardware of the HDSP system offers a number of helpful, well thought-of practical functions
and options which affect how the card operates - it can be configured to suit many different
requirements. The following is available in the 'Settings' dialog:
• Configuration of digital I/Os
• Synchronization behaviour
• State of input and output
• Current sample rate
• Latency
Any changes made in the Settings
dialog are applied immediately confirmation (e.g. by clicking on OK
or exiting the dialog) is not required.
However, settings should not be
changed during playback or record if
it can be avoided, as this can cause
unwanted noises.
Also, please note that even in 'Stop'
mode, several programs keep the
recording and playback devices
open, which means that any new
settings might not be applied
immediately.
The tab About includes information
about the current driver and
firmware version of the HDSP AES-
32.
The status displays at the bottom of
the dialog box give the user precise
information about the current status
of the system, and the status of all
digital signals.
Buffer Size
The setting Buffer Size determines the latency between incoming and outgoing ASIO and WDM
data, as well as affecting system stability (see chapter 11.1).
WDM Devices
Not before Vista the OS had been capable to handle more than 32 WDM stereo devices. Therefore under W2k/XP it often makes sense to intentionally limit their number.
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Clock Mode
Sample Rate
Sets the currently used sample rate. Offers a central and comfortable way of configuring the
sample rate of all WDM devices to the same value, as since Vista the audio software is no
longer allowed to set the sample rate. However, an ASIO program can still set the sample rate
by itself.
During record/playback the selection is greyed out, so no change is possible.
Clock Source
The unit can be configured to use its own clock (Internal = Master), or one of the input signals
(Word, Sync In, AES, TCO). If the selected source isn't available (Input Status No Lock), the
unit will change to the next available one (this behaviour is called AutoSync). If none is available
then the internal clock is used. The current clock source is displayed as Current.
Pitch
More information on Pitch is available in chapter 11.2.
Options
TMS activates the transmission of Channel Status data and Track Marker information from the
AES/EBU input signal.
Word Clock Out
The word clock output signal usually equals the current sample rate. Selecting Single Speed
causes the output signal to always stay within the range of 32 kHz to 48 kHz. So at 96 kHz and
192 kHz sample rate, the output word clock is 48 kHz.
Output Format
Double Speed: Sample rates in the range of 64 kHz to 96 kHz can also be transmitted using the
standard 48K frame. Note that when selecting Double Wire the number of output channels is
reduced to 8.
Quad Speed: Sample rates in the range of 128 kHz to 192 kHz can also be transmitted using
either the standard 48K frame, or the 96K frame. Note that when selecting Double Wire the
number of output channels is reduced to 8. When selecting Quad Wire the number of remaining
output channels is 4.
For further details about the settings Professional, Emphasis and Non-Audio, please refer to
chapter 23.2.
Input Status
SyncCheck indicates whether there is a valid signal (Lock) for the inputs Word Clock, AES 1 to
8, TCO and Sync In, or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync). Each input has its own
frequency measurement and display of the input signal's current sample rate.
The tab About includes two more, global options:
Lock registry
Default: off. Checking this option brings up a dialog to enter a password. Changes in the Settings dialog are no longer written to the registry. As the settings are always loaded from the
registry when starting the computer, this method provides an easy way to define an initial state
of the HDSP AES-32.
Optimize Multi-client Mixing
Default: on. Unchecking this option might solve compatibility problems in seldom cases, but will
also introduce short noise burst when multi-client playback starts.
User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
15
11.2 Settings Dialog - Pitch
Usually soundcards and audio interfaces generate their internal clock (master mode) by a
quartz. Therefore the internal clock can be set to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, but not to a value in between. SteadyClock, RME's sensational Low Jitter Clock System, is based on a Direct Digital
Synthesizer (DDS). This superior circuitry can generate nearly any frequency with highest precision.
DDS has been implemented into the HDSP AES-32 with regard to the needs of professional
video applications, as well as to maximum flexibility. The section Pitch includes both a list of
typical video frequencies (so called pull up/pull down at 0.1% and 4%) and a fader to freely
change the basic sample rate in steps of 1 Hz (!) over a range of +/- 5%.
The Pitch function requires the HDSP AES-32 to be in clock mode Master! The frequency
setting will only be applied to this one specific card!
Changing the sample rate during record/playback often results in a loss of audio, or brings
up warning messages of the audio software. Therefore the desired sample rate should be
set at least coarsely before starting the software.
Coarse
Coarse modification in steps of 50 Hz
is done by clicking with the mouse to
the left and right of the fader knob.
Fine
Fine modification in steps of 1 Hz is
done by using the left/right cursor
keys.
Reset
Ctrl key plus left mouse click.
Application examples
Pitch allows for a simultaneous change of speed and tune during record and playback. From
alignment to other sources up to creative effects – everything is possible.
Pitch enables you to intentionally de-tune the complete DAW. This way, the DAW can match
instruments which have a wrong or unchangeable tuning.
Pitch allows for the change of the sample rate of all WDM devices at the same time. Since Vista
this is no longer possible via the audio program, thus requires a manual reconfiguration of all
WDM devices. Changing the sample rate from the Settings dialog solves this problem.
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11.3 Clock Modes - Synchronisation
In the digital world, all devices must be either Master (clock source) or Slave (clock receiver).
Whenever several devices are linked within a system, there must always be a single master
clock.
A digital system can only have one master! If the card’s clock mode is set to 'Master', all
other devices must be set to ‘Slave’.
The HDSP AES-32 utilizes a very user-friendly, intelligent clock control, called AutoSync. In
AutoSync mode, the system constantly scans the digital input for a valid signal. If any valid signal is found, the card switches from the internal quartz (Clock Mode – Current Internal) to a
clock extracted from the input signal (Clock Mode – Current AES, Word, TCO or Sync In). The
difference to a usual slave mode is that whenever the clock reference fails, the system will
automatically use its internal clock and operate in clock mode Master.
AutoSync guarantees that normal record and record-while-play will always work correctly. In
certain cases however, AutoSync may cause feedback in the digital carrier, so synchronization
breaks down. To remedy this, switch the HDSP’s clock mode to 'Master'.
RME’s exclusive SyncCheck technology enables an easy to use check and display of the current clock status. SyncCheck indicates whether there is a valid signal (Lock, No Lock) for each
input (Word, AES, TCO, Sync In), or if there is a valid and synchronous signal (Sync). In the
field Clock Mode the clock reference is shown. See chapter 30.2.
Via Clock Source a preferred input can be defined. As long as the card sees a valid signal
there, this input will be designated as the sync source, otherwise the other inputs will be
scanned in turn. If none of the inputs are receiving a valid signal, the card automatically
switches clock mode to ‘Master’.
Under WDM the card will (has to) set
the sample rate. Therefore the error
shown to the right can occur. A stable
signal with a sample rate of 32 kHz is
detected at the Word Clock input
(Sync), but Windows audio had been
set to 44100 Hz before. The red
colour of the text label signals the
error condition, and prompts the user
to set 32000 Hz manually as sample
rate.
Under ASIO the audio software sets the sample rate, so that such an error will usually not happen – but it can too. In slave mode the external sample rate has priority. Feeding 44.1 kHz will
prevent the ASIO software to set 48 kHz – obviously, as the only way to do so would be to enter
a different clock mode (Master/Internal).
In practice, SyncCheck provides the user with an easy way of checking whether all digital devices connected to the system are properly configured. With SyncCheck, finally anyone can
master this common source of error, previously one of the most complex issues in the digital
studio world.
User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
17
12. Operation and Usage
12.1 Playback
The HDSP system can play back audio data in supported formats only (sample rate, bit resolution). Otherwise an error message appears (for example at 22 kHz and 8 bit).
In the audio application being used, HDSP must be selected as output device. This can often be
found in the Options, Preferences or Settings menus under Playback Device, Audio Devices,
Audio etc.
We strongly recommend switching off all system sounds (via >Control Panel /Sounds<). Also
HDSP should not be the Preferred Device for playback, as this could cause loss of synchronization and unwanted noises. If you feel you cannot do without system sounds, you should use onboard sound or any cheap sound card and select this one as Preferred Device in >Control
Panel /Multimedia /Audio< or >Control Panel /Sound /Playback<.
The screenshot to the
right shows a typical
configuration dialog as
displayed by a (stereo) wave editor. After
selecting one of the
eight stereo playback
devices, audio data is
sent to the according
audio channels.
Increasing the number
and/or size of audio
buffers may prevent
the audio signal from
breaking up, but also
increases latency i.e.
output is delayed. For
synchronized playback of audio and
MIDI (or similar), be sure to activate the checkbox ‘Get position from audio driver’.
Note on Windows Vista/7
Since Vista the audio application can no longer control the sample rate under WDM. Instead the
user has to work himself through numerous settings, and to set the sample rate to the same
value per stereo device.
Therefore the driver of the HDSP system includes a workaround: the sample rate can be set
globally for all WDM devices within the Settings dialog, see chapter 11.1.
:
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User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
12.2 DVD-Playback (AC-3/DTS)
AC-3 / DTS
When using popular DVD software players like WinDVD and PowerDVD, their audio data
stream can be sent to any AC-3/DTS capable receiver via the HDSP AES-32. For this to work
an output wave device has to be selected in >Control Panel/ Sounds and Multimedia/ Audio< or
>Control Panel/ Sound/Playback<. Also check 'use preferred device only'.
The DVD software's audio properties now show the options 'SPDIF Out' or similar. When selecting these, the software will transfer the non-decoded digital multichannel data stream to the
HDSP AES-32.
: This 'SPDIF' signal sounds like chopped noise at highest level. The first 2 channels
Note
(Loudspeaker) do not support digital AC-3/DTS playback.
Multichannel
PowerDVD and WinDVD can also operate as software decoder, sending a DVD's multichannel
data stream directly to the outputs of the HDSP AES-32. For this to work select the WDM playback device ’Loudspeaker’ of the HDSP AES-32 in
XP: >Control Panel/ Sounds and Multimedia/ Audio<, and 'Use only default devices' has to be
checked. Additionally the loudspeaker setup, found under >Volume/ Speaker Settings/ Ad-
vanced< has to be changed from Stereo to 5.1 Surround.
Vista/7: >Control Panel/ Sound/ Playback < as ‘Standard’. Additionally the loudspeaker setup,
found under >Configuration<, has to be changed from Stereo to 5.1 Surround.
PowerDVD's and WinDVD's audio properties now list several multichannel modes. If one of
these is selected, the software sends the decoded analog multichannel data to the HDSP AES-
32. TotalMix can then be used to play back via any desired output channels.
The typical channel assignment for surround playback is:
1 - Left
2 - Right
3 - Center
4 - LFE (Low Frequency Effects)
5 - SL (Surround Left)
6 - SR (Surround Right)
Note 1
professional cards are not specialized to play back system sounds, and shouldn't be disturbed
by system events. To prevent this be sure to re-assign this setting after usage or to disable any
system sounds (tab Sounds, scheme 'No audio').
Note 2
Sync and/or word clock, the playback speed and pitch follows the incoming clock signal.
: Setting the card to be used as system playback device is against common sense, as
: The DVD player will be synced backwards from the HDSP card. So when using Auto-
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12.3 Notes on WDM
The driver offers a WDM streaming device per stereo pair, like AES (1+2). WDM streaming is
Microsoft's current driver and audio system. WDM streaming is hardly usable for professional
music purposes, as all data is processed by the so called Kernel Mixer, causing a latency of at
least 30 ms. Additionally, WDM can perform sample rate conversions unnoticed, cause offsets
between record and playback data, block channels unintentionally and much more.
Several programs do not offer any direct device selection. Instead they use the playback device
selected in Windows under
XP: <Control Panel/ Sounds and Multimedia/ Audio>
Vista/7: <Control Panel/ Sound/ Playback>
The program Sonar from Cakewalk is unique in many ways. Sonar uses the so called WDM
Kernel Streaming, bypassing the WDM mixer, thus achieves a similar performance to ASIO.
Because of the driver's multichannel streaming ability Sonar not only finds the stereo device
mentioned above, but also the 8-channel interleaved devices, and adds the channel number at
the end:
AES (1+2) is the first stereo device
AES (3+4) is the next stereo device
AES (1+2) 3/4 are the channels 3/4 of the first 8-channel interleaved device.
We recommend to not use these special interleaved devices. Also note that it is not possible to
use one stereo channel twice (the basic and the interleaved device), even with different applications.
Multi-Channel using WDM
The WDM Streaming device Loudspeaker (AES 1+2) of the RME driver can operate as usual
stereo device, or as up to 8-channel device.
An 8-channel playback using the Windows Media Player requires the speaker setup 7.1 Sur-
round. Configure as follows:
XP: >Control Panel /Sounds and Multimedia /Audio /Volume /Speaker Settings /Advanced <
Vista/7: >Control Panel /Sound /Playback /Loudspeaker /Configure <
12.4 Multi-client Operation
RME audio interfaces support multi-client operation. Several programs can be used at the same
time. The formats ASIO and WDM can even be used on the same playback channels simultaneously. As WDM uses a real-time sample rate conversion (ASIO does not), all active ASIO
software has to use the same sample rate.
However, a better overview is maintained by using the channels exclusively. This is no limitation
at all, because TotalMix allows for any output routing, and therefore a playback of multiple software on the same hardware outputs.
Inputs can be used from an unlimited number of WDM and ASIO software at the same time, as
the driver simply sends the data to all applications simultaneously.
RME's sophisticated tool DIGICheck is an exception to this rule. It operates like an ASIO host,
using a special technique to access playback channels directly. Therefore DIGICheck is able to
analyse and display playback data from any software, no matter which format it uses.
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User's Guide HDSP AES-32 © RME
12.5 Digital Recording
Unlike analog soundcards which produce empty wave files (or noise) when no input signal is
present, digital interfaces always need a valid input signal to start recording.
Taking this into account, RME added a comprehensive I/O signal status display to the HDSP
AES-32, showing sample frequency, lock and sync status for every input.
The sample frequency shown in the
fields Clock Mode and Input Status
is useful as a quick display of the
current configuration of the unit and
the connected external equipment.
If no sample frequency is
recognized, it will read ‘No Lock’.
This way, configuring any suitable
audio application for digital
recording is simple. After selecting
the correct input, HDSP AES-32
displays the current sample
frequency. This parameter can then
be changed in the application’s
audio properties (or similar) dialog.
It often makes sense to monitor the
input signal or send it directly to the
output. This can be done at zero
latency using TotalMix (see chapter
25).
An automated control of real-time
monitoring can be achieved by
Steinberg’s ASIO protocol with
RME’s ASIO drivers and all ASIO 2
compatible programs. When 'ASIO
Direct Monitoring' has been
switched on, the input signal is
routed in real-time to the output
whenever a recording is started
(punch-in).
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21
13. Operation under ASIO
13.1 General
Start the ASIO software and select ASIO Hammerfall DSP as the audio I/O device. The 'ASIO
system control' button opens the HDSP's Settings dialog (see chapter 11 / 18, Configuration).
The HDSP AES-32 supports ASIO Direct Monitoring (ADM).
The HDSP AES-32’ MIDI I/O can be used with both MME MIDI and DirectMusic MIDI.
13.2 Known Problems
If a computer does not provide sufficient CPU-power and/or sufficient PCI-bus transfer rates,
then drop outs, crackling and noise will appear. We recommend to deactivate all PlugIns to
verify that these are not the reason for such effects.
Another common source of trouble is incorrect synchronization. ASIO does not support asynchronous operation, which means that the input and output signals not only have to use the
same sample frequency, but also have to be in sync. All devices connected to the Hammerfall
DSP must be properly configured for Full Duplex operation. As long as SyncCheck (in the Settings dialog) only displays Lock instead of Sync, the devices have not been set up properly!
When using more than one HDSP system, all units have to be in sync, see chapter 14. Else a
periodically repeated noise will be heard.
Hammerfall DSP supports ASIO Direct Monitoring (ADM). Please note that currently Nuendo,
Cubase and Logic either do not support ADM completely or error-free. The most often reported
problem is the wrong behaviour of panorama in a stereo channel.
In case of a drift between audio and MIDI, or in case of a fixed deviation (MIDI notes placed
close before or behind the correct position), the settings in Cubase/Nuendo have to be
changed. At the time of print the option 'Use System Timestamp' should be activated. The
HDSP AES-32 supports both MME MIDI and DirectMusic MIDI. It depends on the used application which one will work better.
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